As a member of the Schengen Area, Iceland is popular because of its dramatic landscapes, geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. Therefore, it has become a frequently traveled destination for Indian travelers who want to indulge in beauty and adventure.
But, before starting the journey, make sure to navigate the Schengen visa process as entering the country without a visa is not possible.
Thus, the following article will provide an overview of the visa requirements, application process, processing time, and certain tips for a smooth travel experience.
Are Indians Required to Get a Visa for Iceland?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter the country for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. This is because Iceland is a Schengen country and India is not on the list of visa-free countries.
Visiting Iceland requires you to apply for a Schengen visa and it allows you to stay there for almost 90 days within six months. Other than Iceland, there are 28 more Schengen European countries that you can visit with your Icelandic visa.
Various Schengen Visa Types for Iceland
A visit visa falls under the major visa category of Schengen visa. A second major visa class is a National visa, used for long-term stays. So, Indian applicants can use any of the following Schengen visa types when traveling to Iceland.
- If you want to visit the country for leisure, visiting friends or family members, or sightseeing purposes, a tourist visa would be a suitable option. If you are solely traveling to the country to visit relatives, an alternative choice is a visit visa.
- Moreover, a business visa allows you to attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations in the target destination.
- Lastly, a transit visa grants you access to the transit area at the International Airport of Iceland en route to a non-Schengen country.
What Are the Documents Needed for a Schengen Visa for Indians Traveling to Iceland?
Applying for a Schengen visa to travel to Iceland from India requires you to prepare the following documents (in the original and copy version).
Passport
Your passport should contain two blank pages, valid for three months after your return date, and issued within the last ten years.
Pictures
Moreover, two recent passport-size photographs with 35*40mm size, white background, 80% face, shoulder coverage, etc. are required.
Application form for a visa
You also need to download the application form from the embassy or center and complete it using a blue pen. Do not forget to sign the form at the end.
Travel itinerary
Furthermore, your trip to Iceland requires you to have the following travel itinerary documents.
- A round-trip flight ticket showing that you have the intention of traveling to Iceland and will return to India once your trip is over.
- Another requirement is to book a dummy hotel booking for visa or a rented house or apartment to stay in Iceland. Besides, you can get it through RFV Travels as it is advisable to avoid purchasing real bookings until your visa is approved.
- A day-to-day travel itinerary demonstrating your plans and activities for the requested duration of your stay in Iceland.
Travel health insurance
In addition, you need to purchase valid travel health insurance with a coverage amount of 30,000 euros to cover expenses related to hospitalization, repatriation, evacuation, etc.
Proof of financial means
Financial documents including a bank statement, salary slip, and sponsorship letter can prove to the authorities that you are financially capable of managing your trip’s expenses.
Cover letter
As an additional document, a cover letter for a visa can also help you strengthen your application. This is because you can use it to explain the purpose of your trip, the stay duration, and return plans.
Additional documents
Depending on the employment status and the chosen subcategory of a Schengen visa, you may need the following documents.
| Category | Documents needed |
| Employed | Leave acceptance letter from the current employer |
| Self-employed | Business registration certificate, income tax returns |
| Student | No objection certificate from the college or educational institute, student ID card |
| Business visa | Invitation letter from an Icelandic company |
| Family visit visa | Letter of invitation, residence address or passport of the host, proof of relationship |
Where Can Indians Apply for an Iceland Visa?
Currently, Iceland does not have an embassy or consulate in India. So, Indian applicants can submit their visa applications to the Royal Denmark Embassy in India or several VFS Global visa application centers.
For instance, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad have application centers for VFS Global.
Application Process for an Iceland Visa from India in a Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the guide below to ace the application process for an Iceland visa from India.
Step 1:
As a first step, make sure that you choose the right visa category that aligns with the purpose of your trip to Iceland, e.g., tourist or visit visa.
Step 2:
Secondly, visit the official website of VFS Global and download the application form to complete it. Along with it, make sure to gather the necessary documents as listed above.
Step 3:
After that, book an appointment online with the same center as walk-in applications are not accepted. Ensure to schedule your appointment early, especially during peak travel seasons.
Step 4:
Visit the embassy or the center on the day of the appointment to submit your application and the collected documents. Moreover, you also need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos) that will be stored in the Visa Information System for five years.
Step 5:
The second last step is to pay the Schengen visa application fee at the payment counter. Depending on the methods available, you can deposit your amount in either cash or credit card in the local currency. The Schengen visa fee for,
- Adults- 90 euros
- Children between the ages of six and twelve- 45 euros
- Minors below six are free to travel to Iceland
Additionally, you need to pay 1,800 INR as service charges for VFS Global
Step 6:
Lastly, you can use the application reference number to track the status of your application online using VFS Global. Once approved, you can get your visa to travel to Iceland.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Iceland Visa from India?
The application for an Iceland visa from India may take around 15 regular days. However, the processing time may get extended to 45 days if further scrutiny is required (additional documents or workload at the embassy).
So, if you want to avoid delays in the processing time, make sure to,
- Apply for a visa at least 4-6 weeks earlier than your planned departure
- Do not travel during the peak season
- Complete the documents and visa requirements accurately
Summary
The Schengen visa application for Iceland requires careful preparation but with the right guide, documents, and timely submission, you can enjoy a smooth process.
Therefore, this article has mentioned all the essentials that you need to explore Iceland, its adventures, the Northern Lights, and the Blue Lagoon. Have a safe and great journey!
